Traction

The term traction in the orthopedic medicine suggests about the set of mechanisms applied for straightening the broken bones. Sometimes also used for relieving pressure on the skeletal system. There are two main types of traction which include the skin traction and skeletal traction. Though over the years the use of traction has decreased a lot with the passage of time at present there are an increasing number of orthopedic practitioners who use traction in conjunction with bracing.

In the beginning practice of giving traction it is the responsibility of the physician to apply traction perfectly. The physician should apply the traction perfectly in combination of weights while the adjustment and the removal of it. The skeletal traction weights should based on the doctors charted plan. In some cases the cervical traction is adjusted for quite some time while in others it is temporarily removed as per the physician’s direction. The traction should always be given by a trained person like an orthopedic nurse who has renowned proficiency in doing so. The alignment and the moving direction of the patient should be perfectly determined and should be changed according to the patient’s directive and the person affected of it must properly maintain in proper alignment at every time.

and the affected extremity will need to be maintained in proper alignment at all times with the ropes and traction straps - making sure the mentioned is unobstructed and weights hanging freely. If it becomes necessary for the patient to move while the skeletal traction is in place the patient should be given the opportunity to move in the bed along with the weights suspended freely. Usually in many cases it is found that the traction is applied to the patient regularly for several weeks to months so that the Neurovascular checks will need to be performed by a nurse as directed by the physician or as prescribed per traction unit policy. Applying traction to the patients is a suitable treatment for several medical problems which also include the spinal irregularities such as scoliosis.

Traction is applied for different purposes some of the common purposes include the following:

• Traction is also applied to reduce and stop a fractured bone.
• To regain normal length and alignment of involved bone.
• To reduce or remove muscle contraction.
• To prevent or reduce skeletal deformities or muscle contractures.
• To relieve pressure on nerves, especially spinal.

• Amount of weight to be applied
• The site and care of straps, harnesses and halters
• Type of traction
• Occurrence of neurovascular checks if more regular than every four hours.
• Place care of added pins, wires, or tongs
• The inclusion of any other physical restraints
• The irregularity of traction